Personal holograph nails

ABSTRACT

Personal holographic nails are provided in which one or all are supplied with a holographic image. The fingernails would be made of acrylic or plastic and would be available in multiple sizes. The holographic image is a two dimensional/three dimensional type holographic image created from flat (two-dimensional) artwork. These types of holographic images are produced by a means of layering a series of images at different stages to generate an illusion of depth. The holographic image is applied to the top surface of the fingernail using a suitable adhesive via a coating brush. The fingernail can be removed and reused as the user wishes.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present invention is a conversion of a U.S. Provisional patent application, Ser. No. 60/203,014 filed on May 10, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to artificial finger nails and, more particularly, to artificial acrylic fingernails in which one or all are supplied with a holographic image or lenticular image.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] The industries relating to personal style and fashion are constantly growing and evolving. People are continually striving to create and maintain their personal look, style and identity while keeping in tune with the latest trends as they hit the fashion scene. Among the many facets of which these multimillion dollar trades are comprised, the field of health and beauty care is among the largest and most highly regarded. Although various types of enhancements for a person's fingernails exist, such as manicures and artificial finger nails, once finished, they all look alike. The only difference is perhaps color or an image that may be airbrushed on or applied.

[0006] Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which artificial nails can be designed in an eye-catching manner that is unique for each individual, without the associated boredom and commonality associated with conventional artificial nails. The development of the present invention fulfills this need.

[0007] A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related. The following patents disclose the design and function of a decorative nail covering: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,724,999 issued in the name of Kim; 2,199,207 issued in the name of Nolan; D 380,867 issued in the name of Agee, II et al; and D 321,414 issued in the name of Mullen.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,375 issued in the name of Johnson et al. describes a fingernail stencil system using pre-cut design marks.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,840 issued in the name of Sutterlin discloses a decorative insert for artificial fingernails.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. D 408,470 issued in the name of Rosen describes the ornamental design for a fingernail decorating toy.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. D 314,727 issued in the name of Samaras discloses the ornamental design for fingernail jewelry.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. D 303,161 issued in the name of Tomkins describes the ornamental design for an artificial fingernail with clock/calender display.

[0013] Consequently, a need has been felt for a means which allows anyone the ability to make a statement using their fingernails that is unique, stylish, and fashionable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide artificial nails which are easy to use, save time, and can be used in the home or in Nail Salons.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide artificial nails which can be removed or reused.

[0016] It is still another object of the present invention to provide artificial nails having a holographic image secured to the nails with adhesive.

[0017] It is another object of the present invention to provide a holographic image securable to any or all of the nails.

[0018] It is another object of the present invention to provide artificial nails having a holographic image secured to the nails whereby the image can consist of just about anything such as nature, sports, products, people, and seasonal themes.

[0019] It is another object of the present invention to provide a fashionable item which is eye catching, more unique than conventional artificial nails, and enhances women's esteem.

[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide a kit containing artificial nails, adhesive, applicator, and a myriad of holographic images.

[0021] Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, personal holographic nails are provided and are comprised of a set of artificial acrylic fingernails in which one or all are supplied with a holographic image. Similarly, and alternatively, a set of artificial acrylic fingernails can also be provided in which one or all are supplied with a lenticular image. The fingernails would be made of acrylic or plastic and would be available in multiple sizes. The fingernails could be colored or painted as are conventional nails prior to application of the holographic image. The holographic image would be made in a separate process similar to that used to make small holographic images for credit cards used for authentication purposes. The holographic or lenticular image would then be applied to the top surface of the fingernail using a suitable adhesive via a coating brush. The fingernail could be removed and reused as the user wished. The holographic image can be of almost anything such as a flying butterfly or budding rose. Seasonal themes such as the holidays, or major sporting events could also be a source of design for the holographic image.

[0022] The use of the present invention allows anyone the ability to make a statement using their fingernails that is unique, stylish, and fashionable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

[0024]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a personal holographic nail according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 2 is an elevated front view showing a natural nail located below the acrylic fingernail according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a plurality of personal holographic nails according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 4 is an elevated front view illustrating the application of adhesive via a coating brush to the top surface of the fingernail according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028]FIGS. 5a-5 c show an alternate embodiment of the present invention illustrating an illusion of motion by a lenticular image; and

[0029]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a kit format according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0030] 1. Detailed Description of the Figures

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 and 6, personal holographic nails 10 are shown, according to the present invention, comprised of a set of artificial acrylic fingernails 20 in which a single fingernail 20 or all fingernails 20 are supplied with a flexible, holographic image 24. Similarly, and alternatively, a set of artificial acrylic fingernails 20 can also be provided in which a single fingernail or all fingernails are supplied with a flexible, lenticular image 40.

[0032] The chosen holographic image 24 can be from a myriad of images such as a flying butterfly 25, shown in FIG. 3, or a budding rose 24 a shown in FIG. 1.

[0033] The fingernails 20 are fabricated of acrylic material and are available in multiple sizes so as to both match size and shape of natural nails 27, and to allow for personal preferences with respect to fingernail 20 lengths.

[0034] The fabrication material disclosed herein is meant only as a suggestion, as it is envisioned that other fabrication materials such as plastic may be utilized, thus the preferred material of fabrication, namely acrylic, is in no way limiting.

[0035] A holographic image 24 is a flat image which appears to display depth, motion, or in some cases both depth and motion. Holographic images 24 are basically instant replays which “cycle”, for purposes of this disclosure, on your fingernail 20.

[0036] There are various types of holographic images 24; three of which are discussed below.

[0037] Two Dimensional/Three Dimensional holographic images are created from flat (two-dimensional) artwork. These types of holographic images are produced by a means of layering a series of images at different stages so as to generate an illusion of depth.

[0038] Three Dimensional holographic images are recreated from a scale model or a live subject which produces a magnificent true color holographic image of real depth and clarity.

[0039] Diffractive dot matrix is a very common holographic image which utilizes computer generated individual dots which diffract the whole spectrum of light at different angles so as to produce prismatic patterns that glisten and shine brilliantly.

[0040] According to the preferred embodiment, Two Dimensional/Three Dimensional holographic images 24 are utilized; however, it is envisioned that the other aforementioned holographic images may be similarly and alternatively utilized as well.

[0041] For purposes of clarity and convenience, a single fingernail 20 will be described henceforth according to the preferred embodiment with the recognition that such description is equally applicable to all the fingernails 20.

[0042] According to the preferred embodiment, in order to apply the holographic image 24 to the fingernail 20, the fingernail 20 is initially coated with a suitable base adhesive 30 so as to facilitate adhesion of a desired holographic image 24 thereto. A suitable base adhesive 30 is envisioned as a translucent, rubber cement substance 32 in liquid form which allows for easy application thereof to a top surface 22 of the fingernail 20 via a coating brush 33.

[0043] The base adhesive 30 is further defined as a temperate, consonant substance with image safeguarding properties so as to prevent the holographic image 24 from being distorted, dissoluted, or marred upon application to the base adhesive 30. Other similar, suitable adhesives 30 commonly known by one of ordinary skill in the art may function equally well for facilitating adhesion of the chosen holographic image 24 to the top surface 22 of the fingernail 20, and therefore, the disclosed adhesive 30 is meant merely as a suggestion and is in no way limiting.

[0044] Upon application of the holographic image 24 to the fingernail 20, the holographic image 24 is slid into place, and pressed down to engage in a flat manner the top surface 22 of the fingernail 20. Being flexible, the holographic image 24 lies flat without wrinkling.

[0045] After application of the holographic image 24 to the fingernail 20, the base adhesive 30 undergoes a drying period at ambient temperature for several minutes so that upon drying, the holographic image 24 is cemented securely to the fingernail 20.

[0046] At the user's option, a colored nail polish may be applied to the top surface of the fingernail 20 and allowed to dry prior to applying the base adhesive 30.

[0047] It is envisioned that the personal holographic nail 10 can be removed and reused as the user wished.

[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 5a-5 c, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a set of artificial acrylic or plastic fingernails 20 are provided in which a single fingernail 20 or all fingernails 20 are supplied with a flexible, lenticular image 40. A lenticular image 40 is a specialized print process that can show depth, motion, or a combination of both. Such process involves, for example, utilizing a videotape, wherein approximately twelve still frames are pulled therefrom and converted into digital files. The digital files are then interlaced via software into a single image. This file is printed onto paper. Finally, a lens material is laminated in register to the paper. The lenses block eleven of the twelve images from view, and as the paper is turned, the lens reveals a different frame, thus creating an illusion of motion.

[0049] In order to apply the lenticular image 40 to the fingernail 20, the top surface 22 thereof is initially coated with the base adhesive 30 so as to facilitate adhesion of a desired lenticular image 40 thereto. The base adhesive 30 is applied to the top surface 22 of the fingernail 20 via the coating brush 33. The base adhesive 30 is a temperate, consonant substance in liquid form with image safeguarding properties which prevents the lenticular image 40 from being distorted, dissoluted, or marred upon application to the base adhesive 30.

[0050] Upon application of the lenticular image 40 to the fingernail 20, the lenticular image 40 is slid into place, and pressed down to engage in a flat manner the top surface 22 of the fingernail 20. Being flexible, the lenticular image 40 lies flat without wrinkling.

[0051] After application of the lenticular image 40 to the fingernail 20, the base adhesive 30 undergoes a drying period at ambient temperature for several minutes so that upon drying, the lenticular image 40 is cemented securely to the fingernail 20.

[0052] At the user's option, a colored nail polish may be applied to the top surface of the fingernail 20 and allowed to dry prior to applying the base adhesive 30.

[0053] It is envisioned that the present invention would be available in a kit format 50 which would contain at least ten artificial fingernails 20, adhesive, coating brush, and a myriad of holographic images 24 to be selected from by the user.

[0054] 2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment

[0055] To use the present invention, the user selects a desired holographic image 40 for application to the top surface 22 of the acrylic or plastic fingernail 30 or fingernails 20. Next, the user coats the top surface 22 of the fingernail 20 via a coating brush 33 with base adhesive 30 so as to facilitate adhesion of the desired holographic image 24 thereto. Upon application of the holographic image 24 to the fingernail 20, the user slides the holographic image 24 into place, and presses it down to engage in a flat manner the top surface 22 of the fingernail 20. Being flexible, the holographic image 24 lies flat without wrinkling. After having applied the holographic image 24 to the fingernail 20, the user allows the base adhesive 30 to undergo a drying period at ambient temperature for several minutes so that upon drying, the holographic image 24 is cemented securely to the fingernail 20.

[0056] The use of the present invention allows anyone the ability to make a statement using their fingernails that is unique, stylish, and fashionable.

[0057] Therefore, the foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. As one can envision, an individual skilled in the relevant art, in conjunction with the present teachings, would be capable of incorporating many minor modifications that are anticipated within this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be broadly limited only by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Personal holographic nails comprising: a set of artificial fingernails, wherein at least one of said artificial fingernails of said set is supplied with a holographic image; a base adhesive; and a coating brush.
 2. The personal holographic nails of claim 1 , wherein said artificial fingernails are fabricated of an acrylic or plastic material.
 3. The personal holographic nails of claim 1 , wherein said holographic image is selected from a myriad of said holographic images such as a flying butterfly or a budding rose.
 4. The personal holographic nails of claim 3 , wherein said holographic image is defined as a flexible, two dimensional/three dimensional type image produced by a series of images layered at different stages so as to generate an illusion of depth.
 5. The personal holographic nails of claim 1 , wherein said artificial fingernails are coated with said base adhesive across a top surface of said artificial fingernails via said coating brush so as to facilitate adhesion of said holographic image to said top surface of said artificial fingernails.
 6. The personal holographic nails of claim 5 , wherein said base adhesive is a translucent, rubber cement substance in liquid form which allows for easy application to said top surface of said artificial fingernails.
 7. The personal holographic nails of claim 6 , wherein said base adhesive is further defined as a temperate, consonant substance with image safeguarding properties which serve to prevent said holographic image from being distorted, dissoluted, or marred upon contact with said base adhesive.
 8. The personal holographic nails of claim 7 , wherein said holographic image is slid into place, and pressed down so as to engage in a flat manner said top surface of said artificial fingernails.
 9. The personal holographic nails of claim 8 , wherein said holographic image is cemented securely to said artificial fingernails after said base adhesive undergoes a drying period at ambient temperature for several minutes.
 10. The personal holographic nails of claim 9 , wherein said personal holographic nails are removable and reuseable.
 11. Personal holographic nails comprising: a set of artificial fingernails, wherein at least one of said artificial fingernails of said set is supplied with a lenticular image; said base adhesive; and said coating brush.
 12. The personal holographic nails of claim 11 , wherein said artificial fingernails are fabricated of an acrylic or plastic material.
 13. The personal holographic nails of claim 12 , wherein said artificial fingernails are coated with said base adhesive across said top surface of said artificial fingernails via said coating brush so as to facilitate adhesion of said lenticular image to said top surface of said artificial fingernails.
 14. The personal holographic nails of claim 13 , wherein said base adhesive is designed with image safeguarding properties which serve to prevent said lenticular image from being distorted, dissoluted, or marred upon contact with said base adhesive.
 15. The personal holographic nails of claim 14 , wherein said lenticular image is slid into place, and pressed down so as to engage in a flat manner said top surface of said artificial fingernails, and wherein said lenticular image is cemented securely to said artificial fingernails after said base adhesive undergoes a drying period at ambient temperature for several minutes, and wherein said personal holographic nails are removable and reusable.
 16. The personal holographic nails of claim 1 , wherein said personal holographic nails are available in a kit format comprised of at least ten of said artificial fingernails, said base adhesive, said coating brush, and a myriad of said holographic images to be selected from by the user. 